What is Revlimid?

Revlimid (also called lenalidomide) is an oral cancer drug that is used for the treatment of multiple myeloma. It is part of a class of drugs called Immunomodulatory drugs or IMiDs®. IMIDs work against cancer cells partly by impacting the functioning of the immune system.

Revlimid is chemically related to Thalomid® (thalidomide), another IMID, but has been found to be more potent in the laboratory and has different side effects. For example, significant sleepiness, constipation and painful nerve problems (neuropathy), common side effects of Thalidomide, are seen much less frequently with Revlimid.

In addition to multiple myeloma, Revlimid is also used to treat another disease (myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS).